the thumb and finger. Do not be afraid of dirtying your hands; this weeding, though often rather backbreaking and tiresome, and, withal, dirty work, is very good exercise; and delicate fingers may be protected by a pair of gloves. The best time is early morning of a summer day, say, from half past four to seven, on a clear, bright morning; one feels invigorated with the fresh early air, charmed by the beauty of morning, and really pities those who waste these, the best hours of the day, in sleep. It is not well to weed at night, or on a rainy or cloudy day, for there is no sun to kill the weeds, which it is better to expose to the sun, that they may be thoroughly killed; pull them in the morning, let them lay during the day, and gather them up at night.

It is poor gardening to cut off a weed just below the level of the ground with a scuffle or weeding hoe, for the root remains alive, gains strength, and often sends up many shoots to trouble us again. In large gardens a hoe must be used, for hand weeding is too laborious; but if we have time, use the thumb and finger.

During the summer, the earth will need an occasional stirring with the rake or hoe, especially if the summer is dry, and may need the further attention of

WATERING.

In this, there are many mistakes made; often, the water is poured on from a pail or from the nose of the watering-pot. In both cases, the upper soil is wet, but the greater portion of the water runs off, and fails to benefit the garden. Now, our rules for watering are, never water unless the soil absolutely needs it: some think watering a daily duty, to be attended to whether the need exists or not. If the soil is close or clayey, very seldom will water be required; if sandy or loose, more often, but each locality will have its own rules.

Again, never dash water on the plants or ground; give it slowly and gently from the rose of a wateringpot, and let it soak into the earth.

A good way, if a plant specially needs water, is to put a flower-pot close to it, press the pot down into the ground and fill it with water; gently and slowly the water will soak through the hole at the bottom of the pot, and the roots of the plant receive the needed moisture. In time of drought, a syringing is of much benefit to shrubs and plants.

The water for plants should not be very cold; rain

water is the best, and it may always be obtained by having a hogshead standing in some place out of sight, under a spout connected with the roof.

There are always the little cares of staking plants, trimming too luxuriant branches, removing dead stalks, leaves, and flowers, watching lest the storms beat down the tender shoots; looking carefully for insects, and all the little routine of duties which makes the pleasurable care of the flower garden.

A well-kept garden is a constant source of pleasure; it supplies out-door exercise and employment, and will always furnish a bouquet for the mantel or for the table.

In future chapters we will treat of what to plant; and when speaking of each plant, any peculiar mode of culture required, will be given.

The soil of a garden, for the growth of common species of shrubs, perennials, and annuals, should be a rich loam if any plants require sand, it can be easily supplied. Peat is but little used in general gardening; it is required only for rhododendrons, azaleas, and in the culture of some of our fine native plants.

A garden should not be shaded by large trees; but

few plants flourish under shade and drip, and the strong roots of trees often usurp all the soil, and appropriate to themselves all the best of the garden.

A garden should be sunny; soil, rich black loam; and sheltered from the wind.

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Planting. General Treatment.-Watering.-Protection.-June Berry.Acacia.- Flowering Almond.- Catalpa. - Flowering Dogwood.- Kolreuteria. - Lilacs. - Syringa. - Laburnum. - Stuartia. — Pea Tree.Pæonias. Magnolias. — Azalea. - Spice Bush. - Purple Berberry. Fringe Tree. Smoke Tree. - Bladder Senna.- Corchorus. - Dwarf Horse Chestnut. - Tartarian Honeysuckle.- Spireas.- Silver Bell.Sorrel Tree. - Deutzia. - Daphne Mezereon.-Japan Quince. - Snowball.-Cranberry Tree. Weigela.- Virginia Silk.- Dutchman's Pipe. -Virginia Creeper. - Honeysuckles. Wistaria. Climbing Roses.June Roses. Moss Roses. - Perpetual Roses.- Culture.-Rhododendrons.- List of Hardy.- Mountain Laurel.-Andromeda.- Ledum, or Labrador Tea.

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